JC Raulston Arboretum e-Update
November 2019
Your Monthly News and Updates
Director's Note

By Mark Weathington, Director

Moonlight in the Garden is finally here! We've been working on this all year and I am so excited to show off all the hard work from our staff, volunteers, and partners at Southern Lights of Raleigh. We've expanded the footprint so visitors get to see even more of the garden lit up and we've added new fun features and displays. I think you're really going to enjoy it. If you haven't already purchased your tickets, don't wait we've already sold out multiple nights and time slots.
 
Fundraisers like Moonlight in the Garden help us keep our gates open and free during the day but it takes a little extra to get special projects done. Be on the lookout for the JCRA's year-end wish list later this month. Past wish list items which have been funded include the Flowering Lawn, trellis at the Bobby G. Wilder Visitor Center, new parking lot gate and fencing, and several permanent light installations. Your support of our wish list is a big part of what keeps us growing so strongly.

See you in the garden.
Tapas at Moonlight in the Garden Preview Night

By Arlene Calhoun, Assistant Director

A Magical Lighting Exhibition with Our Friends from Southern Lights of Raleigh and the NC Agricultural Foundation

Tuesday, November 5 – 7:00 PM–9:00 PM

Those of you who are joining us for Preview Night , Tuesday, November 5, are in for a real treat. Rocky Top Catering has prepared a seasonally inspired small-plate menu to delight our taste buds. They are known for their custom-designed locally-sourced menus and we're excited about what they will be serving on our special night.

It's tempting to provide the entire menu, but I won't. I don't what to spoil the tasty surprise. I will tell you that I'm personally looking forward to trying the sorghum brined grilled chicken with bacon waffle bread pudding, collard greens, and pink pepper honey. Doesn't that sound delectably delicious?
Our two bars will be graciously stocked by our friends at Carolina Brewing Company and the NC Wine Growers Association. Please be prepared to show a photo ID if you'd like a glass of beer or wine with dinner or while you stroll the garden.

John Garner and his wonderful team have been working the last three weeks to complete another beautiful Moonlight installation. This year's show has expanded to include the Finley-Nottingham Rose Garden, be sure to check it out. Without question, Southern Lights of Raleigh turns landscape lighting into an art form. Seeing is believing.

For those who are excited to see Bob Simchock's latest stone creations, you'll find them in the Asian Valley. Feel free to stop by the Arboretum for a sneak peek, they are installed. I already have my eye on a couple. Remember, Bob and Jenny of Simchock Stone regularly offer a 10% discount to Arboretum members. And for those lanterns and stone creations purchased at Moonlight in the Garden, they generously donate 20% back to the Arboretum.

Moonlight in the Garden has become a fall tradition for many and we are grateful for everyone who help make this fundraiser possible. From the intricate lighting design to the cutting of marshmallow roasting sticks—it takes a village of dedicated people to make it happen and we can't wait to welcome you and your family and friends to this year's exhibit!

Get your tickets soon. They are selling fast. We've already sold 89% of all available tickets. Nights are selling out quickly.

If you're not able to attend this year, please help us spread the word. Moonlight is proving to be the perfect vehicle to help people find the best kept secret in Raleigh.

I hope to see you there. Be prepare for a sensory overload.
1999 Was a Very Good Year

By Mark Weathington, Director 
 
Twenty years ago was a great year despite all the Y2K worries (kids, ask your parents). The Dow Jones closed over the 10,000 mark for the first time, Bill Gates' net worth hit 100 billion, Star Wars Episode 1 opened, and Lil Nas X was born (parents, ask your kids). In the sports world, Brandi Chastain cinched the Women's World Cup with a dramatic shoot off score, the Yankees earned a 25th pennant, and in sad news the Great One, Wayne Gretsky, hung up his skates.
 
As Wayne was retiring, Christopher Glenn was just getting started at the JCRA beginning a career that hits 20 years this month. Chris's role as programs and education coordinator is how many of you probably have interacted with him over the past two decades. His programming has been the envy of many other public gardens. Of course, if you are reading this you probably know Chris as the editor of our various e-Updates, newsletters, and other communications. Perhaps not so obvious to all of our members is his role as Webmaster and unofficially official IT department for the JCRA as well as our institutional memory.
 
Chris’s work here at the Arboretum has been foundational to the growth and success of the institution and over two decades Chris has reinvented how we bring information and communication to all of you whether that is developing a YouTube channel or mining our database for relevant information like a bloom calendar. Next time you see Chris tell him congratulations for an exceptional job and thank him for all his hard work. We can't wait to see where Chris helps us go in his next decade!
Community Events Sponsorships
 
By Emily Bonner, Development Assistant

Events at the JCRA allow us to connect and engage with our incredible community of supporters. For example, the upcoming Moonlight in the Garden event, which offers a rare opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the garden in a new light — literally! — exemplifies our ability to find creative ways of supporting J. C. Raulson's vision. 

Not only do these events serve the JCRA’s greater mission of emphasizing horticulture and creating community outreach, but they also provide visibility for the Arboretum and help expose a whole new audience to our wonderful world of plants.

If you would like to support events at the Arboretum , please consider becoming a sponsor. Sponsorships not only ensure that we can continue maintaining our current events at an exceptional level, but also provide us with the resources to expand and create even more opportunities for innovative experiences at the Arboretum. 
November–December Educational Programs

By Sana Sheikh, Programs and Education Assistant

The holiday season is in full swing, and here at the JC Raulston Arboretum that means holiday-themed workshops. Whether you're looking to prepare for the season or you're interested in getting an insider look at Moonlight in the Garden, the Arboretum is the place to be.
 
Photography Walk 
"Moonlight in the Garden—Twilight and Night Photography Techniques"
Wednesday, November 6, 2019 – 4:00 PM (almost full)

Photography Walk !  Join Mary Louise in this special session to learn about the key equipment and techniques she uses to capture the majesty of the garden lights at night, and then try your own hand at practicing Mary Louise's techniques in the garden with her expert guidance. This is a great chance to have Moonlight in the Garden all to yourself, so register fast before we sell out. Participants are welcome to stay after the session to continue their photography until the Arboretum closes at 9:00 PM. All cameras are a great choice for this event. A tripod is required.
 
Designers Preview Night 
John Garner, Southern Lights of Raleigh 
Wednesday, November 6 – 7:00 PM (almost full)

Curious about the technical magic behind Moonlight in the Garden? Come to Designers Preview Night! Learn from the master designer, John Garner, about the design concepts, techniques, and technology that helps this spectacular display come to life. This preview is only open to landscape architects and designers, interior designers, engineers, and lighting design professionals. This is your chance to get a personal experience with Moonlight in the Garden, so don't delay!
 
Photography Walk 
"Making Custom Holiday Cards Using Digital Art Based on Your Photographs" 
Mary Louise Ravese, Bella Vista Photography 
Friday, November 22 – 11:00 AM

Looking to make give your holiday card that extra touch of love? Turn your photographs into mini masterpieces with Mary Louise . Learn how to make custom card designs from your photographs and turn them into digital paintings with Dynamic Auto Painter. Participants will get the chance to explore the Arboretum for photograph opportunities. All cameras are a great choice for this event . Participants are welcome to bring their laptop with a version of Dynamic Auto Painter to follow along in class.
 
Holiday Wreath Workshops
Tim Alderton, Research Technician, and Christopher Todd Glenn, Programs and Education Coordinator
Saturday, December 7 – 1:00 PM (waitlist started)
Saturday, December 7 – 4:00 PM
 
There's no better way to prepare for the holidays than to make your own designer wreath here at the JC Raulston Arboretum. This workshop will provide any prospective wreath makers with the hands-on instruction and assortment of greens they need to create the perfect wreath. Want to spice up your potential creation even more? Bring your own materials to add that personal touch to your wreath! Shears are required.
 
Wine and Wreaths Workshops
Christopher Todd Glenn, Programs and Education Coordinator
Friday, December 6 – 7:00 PM (waitlist started)
Saturday, December 7 – 7:00 PM (almost full)
 
There's no better way to prepare for the holidays than to make your own designer wreath here at the JC Raulston Arboretum. This workshop will provide any prospective wreath makers with the hands-on instruction and assortment of greens they need to create the perfect wreath. Want to spice up your potential creation even more? Bring your own materials to add that personal touch to your wreath! Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, wine and other beverages as you make a wreath to decorate your home for the holidays . Shears are required.

For more information about these programs, please contact Chris Glenn at (919) 513-7005 or  chris_glenn@ncsu.edu . Registration is available via the links below.
Winter Symposium

By Sana Sheikh, Programs and Education Assistant

Our annual Winter Symposium is fast approaching and we would love for you to come join us. This year’s theme is about the relationship between gardening and design. Our three speakers, Shannon Currey, Bob Lyons and Elissa Steeves will be showcasing design secrets and innovative ideas to help us explore the artistic side of gardening. This event is sure to sell out fast, so be sure to register early!

Winter Symposium
"Where Design and Plants Become One"
Saturday, February 15, 2020 – 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
 
Shannon Currey is the marketing director for Hoffman Nursery and specializes in ornamental and native grasses. Shannon writes articles, gives talks nationally, and is the current Southern Region director for the Perennial Plant Association.

Robert Lyons, Ph.D., is a prior J. C. Raulston Distinguished Faculty Chair and director of the JC Raulston Arboretum and a current chair on the Board of Advisors for the University of Delaware Botanic Garden. He has been a photographer for over 35 years and is not only extensively published but has had his work featured in exhibits on a national level.
 
Elissa Steeves taught high-school level horticulture for 30 years and was junior author of Virginia's first Master Gardeners Handbook . A retiree for the past 14 years, Elissa devotes her time to gardening and a number of horticulture committees. Her garden has been featured in a variety of magazines including Southern Living , Horticulture , and the Virginia Gardener .

For more information visit the JC Raulston Arboretum's Web site or contact Chris Glenn at at (919) 513-7005 or  chris_glenn@ncsu.edu. Registration is limited and is available online (link below).
Fall Outings with the Children's Programs

By Elizabeth Overcash, Children's Program Corner

Hands down, the most popular season for our school field trip programming is spring. Some schools though are finding out that fall is a fun time to visit the gardens as well! This fall, we had over 400 students come through the gardens. Joy Burns, the school tour program coordinator, has been leading middle schoolers through the gardens each Tuesday afternoon on a nature journaling journey. We have talked about what living things need with first graders and the parts of the plant with third graders from seven different schools. The Woodland Garden Club from Henderson brought a group of 4th graders to explore seeds. We harvested sweet potatoes from the Yurt Yard with a group of students who are all taking a gardening elective at Poe Elementary School.

It is always amazing to see how our programs reach so many students—the young women exploring careers in the science fields who visited with the Young Women in Bio organization, the high school students studying horticulture from Clinton High School, and homeschool students enriching their science curriculum with visit to the gardens. But probably my favorite has to be visiting the middle school science class at the Governor Morehead School and now envying their celery crop! The gardens make learning come alive for all these students, and we can't wait to welcome even more students into the gardens this spring.
New Fence at the Arboretum

By Sana Sheikh, Programs and Education Assistant
The JC Raulston has an exciting update: with the help of donors, the we've been able to install beautiful new fencing with brick columns along Beryl Road. This new addition to the Arboretum is replacing chain link fencing that was previously installed from the west of the pedestrian entrance all the way to the end of the Arboretum property.
 
The Arboretum continues to improve the after-dark experience for those attending evening programs. New lighting was installed next to the parking lot and along the fence to not only enhance the scenery but as a way to increase visibility and help keep our visitors safe.
 
Thank you to all our donors who helped make these additions to the Arboretum a reality! Without the support of donors, these projects would never become a reality. Keep your eyes peeled for our new sign in the coming days, and be sure to swing by the Arboretum at night to admire our new display.
Meet the JCRA Student Workers

By Sana Sheikh, Programs and Education Assistant

Both Provost's Professional Experience Program and work-study students here at the JC Raulston Arboretum take on a variety of roles to assist in the upkeep of the Arboretum. Get to know the student workers that help keep the Arboretum running.

Holly Keepers – Membership and Volunteer

Holly Keepers, a senior in conservation biology, is a volunteer and membership student assistant. She works under Kathryn Wall. Her job includes helping with different events and assisting in the volunteer process. Holly enjoys getting to interact with all kinds of people at the Arboretum and loves the Arboretum's active environment.

Jamiah Woodson – Public Relations/Marketing

Jamiah Woodson is a senior in communications. As the PR Pep student, she works under Arlene Calhoun to write newsletters, press releases, and develop scripts. Jamiah finds herself fitting the PR position extremely well and appreciates the sense of independence that her position provides her.

Aryanna Paine – Children's Program

Aryanna Paine is a junior in horticultural science and works with the Children's Education program under Elizabeth Overcash. Aryanna helps create interactive and educational tours for kids of all ages. Aryanna's favorite part about the Arboretum is getting to combine her love of horticulture and working with children.

Emma Rider – Horticulture

Emma Rider, a senior in horticultural science, works under Doug Rhuren and Tim Alderton to assist with day-to-day needs in the garden. This includes prepping for volunteers and general garden maintenance. As somebody who grew up with production horticulture, Emma, a frequent visitor of the Arboretum, knew that it would be the perfect place for her to work. She loves knowing that the work done at the Arboretum allows the public to appreciate horticulture as well.

Ruth Alexander – Mapping

Ruth Alexander, the mapping sssistant, is a senior double majoring in environmental science and Spanish. Ruth works on keeping the planting records up to date and helps create a better public interface for the online Arboretum map. Ruth enjoys having the opportunity to interact with the Arboretum gardens and get experience doing work in her field of choice.

Rachel Perry – Horticulture

Rachel Perry, a senior in horticultural science, helps Tim Alderton and Doug Rhuren maintain the gardens. Since her visit to Raleigh, the Arboretum has been one of her favorite spots in the city. Her favorite part of working at the Arboretum is the variety of the work she gets to do and getting to spend her time working in the gardens.

Grace Hamilton – Marketing Communications

Grace Hamilton is a junior in horticultural science that works under Arlene Calhoun and Kathryn Wall as the social media marketing assistant. Grace had the chance to become familiar with the Arboretum through her class at NC State. Grace's favorite part about the Arboretum is how it is both about plants and people.

Message from the Editor

Sana Sheikh – Programs and Education

Sana Sheikh is the programs and education assistant and works with Chris Glenn. She writes articles like this one for the e-Update and more for the Web site and helps coordinate the Arboretum's adult educational programs. She is a junior double majoring in English and business administration. Sana enjoys putting her creative writing skills to use in helping to publicize the Arboretum's educational programming.
Upcoming Events
 
"Cacti, Sedums, and other Hardy Succulents"
Mark Weathington, Director
Tuesday, November 5 - 1:00 PM

A Magical Lighting Exhibition with Our Friends from Southern Lights of Raleigh and the North Carolina Agricultural Foundation, Inc.
Tuesday, November 5 - 7:00 PM
Sold Out 

"Moonlight in the Garden-Twilight and Night Photography Techniques"
Wednesday, November 6, - 4:00 PM
Register (almost full)

John Garner, Southern Lights of Raleigh
Wednesday, November 6 - 7:00 PM
Register (almost full)

A Magical Lighting Exhibition with Our Friends from Southern Lights of Raleigh and the North Carolina Agricultural Foundation, Inc.
Thursday-Saturday, November 7-9 and Thursday-Saturday, November 14-16 - 5:30 PM-9:30 PM (two entries times)
Tickets (sold out on Friday, November 8 and Saturday, November 9)

Fall Magic
Friday, November 8 - 10:30 AM

Cadettes: Tree-iffic Trees
Sunday, November 10 - 2:30 PM

"Making Custom Holiday Cards Using Digital Art Based on Your Photographs"
Mary Louise Ravese, Bella Vista Photography
Friday, November 22 - 11:00 AM

✽Denotes a children's program.

Many programs require advance registration. Please register early to reserve your spot.

Save the Date

Saturday, January 18, 2020 through Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Coming Attractions

By Nancy Doubrava, JCRA Volunteer
Acer palmatum Dissectum Atropurpureum Group
red lace-leaf Japanese maple
Pinus taeda NCSU Dwarf Group
dwarf loblolly pine
Arundo donax 'Golden Chain'
golden giant reed
Trachycarpus fortunei 'Wagnerianus'
hardy windmill palm
Lagerstroemia fauriei
Japanese crepe myrtle
Ilex integra 'Ogon'
golden Nepal holly
Acer palmatum Dissectum Atropurpureum Group
red lace-leaf Japanese maple
YouTube Channel Update

By Christopher Todd Glenn, Programs and Education Coordinator

One new video was recorded in October and posted to our YouTube Channel . Look for them on our channel or click the graphics below.

Receive announcements about our latest additions by subscribing to our YouTube Channel . Click on the bell icon to adjust your frequency settings from occasional notifications to all notifications and vice versa.
Your Membership Makes a Difference
Please Join or Renew Today!

The JC Raulston Arboretum is free to the public, but it is not free to operate. Memberships keep the gates open and the gardens in top shape. Membership gifts are the primary support for the Arboretum's daily operations and vital for its success. Thank you for your support and advocacy of the JC Raulston Arboretum through the membership program. It's fast and easy to become a Friend of the Arboretum, and there are many great benefits for you and your family. Join or renew now using our secure Web site, or contact Kathryn Wall, membership and volunteer coordinator, at kbwall@ncsu.edu or (919) 513-7004.
Christopher Todd Glenn
Programs and Education Coordinator
NC State University
Campus Box 7522
Raleigh, NC 27695-7522
(919) 513-7005

You're receiving this e-mail because you're a member of the JC Raulston Arboretum. JCRA e-Updates are published electronically every month. If you are a member and need to update your contact information or wish to be removed from this mailing, please contact Kathryn Wall at (919) 513-7004 or kbwall@ncsu.edu. Please do not use the links below to update your e-mail address or to unsubscribe.